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December 24, 2009

Winter storm closes interstate highways

TIM TALLEY

OKLAHOMA CITY — A winter storm packing heavy snow and strong winds has forced law enforcement authorities to close all interstate highways in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Chris West said in an e-mail Thursday that the storm has led to numerous accidents and stranded vehicles are blocking all roadways. Interstates in the Oklahoma City area include I-40, I-35 and I-44. West also stated that the OHP is not responding to non-injury accidents at this time. They will respond to accidents with injury or if the roadway is blocked.

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority spokesman Jack Damrill says the H.E. Bailey Turnpike is closed from Newcastle south of Oklahoma City to the Texas state line. The turnpike serves Lawton and includes portions of I-44.

Law enforcement authorities say about 40 vehicles have spun off I-44 north of Lawton earlier Thursday. Oklahoma Highway 7 has been closed east of Lawton because of a 15-car pile-up.

Gov. Brad Henry has declared a State of Emergency for all 77 counties. The executive order marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Additionally, the order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions.

The governor, along with state emergency management, public safety and transportation officials, is discouraging all travel.

Edmond residents who may experience a power outage should call Edmond Electric at 359-4655 to report any outages and for more information.

To check current road conditions before venturing out, call the Department of Public Safety's Road Conditions Hotline at 888-425-2385.

For out-of-state road conditions:

Arkansas - 800-245-1672

Colorado - 303-639-1111

Kansas - 866-511-5368

Missouri - 800-222-6400

New Mexico - 800-432-4269

Oklahoma - 888-425-2385

Texas - 800-452-9292

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